Unraveling the Role of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Salivary Glands: A Comprehensive Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is an aggressive tumor that exhibits a neurotropic growth pattern by invading nerve fibers and demonstrates a high tendency for both local spread and early distant metastases. The limited availability of successful chemotherapeutic regimens represents a major obstacle in the efficient treatment of SACC patients. Through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer cells gain increased mobility and invasiveness, facilitating their ability to infiltrate the basement membrane and disseminate to distant sites in the body. This manuscript aims to review the latest research on potential biomarkers that contribute to the development of EMT, which can aid in identifying new therapeutic targets and improving the oncological management of SACC patients. ABSTRACT: Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is considered a challenging malignancy; it is characterized by a slow-growing nature, yet a high risk of recurrence and distant metastasis, presenting significant hurdles in its treatment and management. At present, there are no approved targeted agents available for the management of SACC and systemic chemotherapy protocols that have demonstrated efficacy remain to be elucidated. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process that is closely associated with tumor progression and metastasis, enabling epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal properties, including increased mobility and invasiveness. Several molecular signaling pathways have been implicated in the regulation of EMT in SACC, and understanding these mechanisms is crucial to identifying new therapeutic targets and developing more effective treatment approaches. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research on the role of EMT in SACC, including the molecular pathways and biomarkers involved in EMT regulation. By highlighting the most recent findings, this review offers insights into potential new therapeutic strategies that could improve the management of SACC patients, especially those with recurrent or metastatic disease.